Mitral valve repair on the beating perfused heart.

It is difficult to assess the success of mitral valve repair in the arrested heart. Various techniques have been described. Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) provides excellent two-dimensional evaluation of the repair, but three-dimensional anatomic characteristics are limited.

Application of robotic-assisted techniques to the surgical evaluation and treatment of the anterior mediastinum.

Background: We report our initial experience with the application of robotic-assisted technologies to the treatment of diseases of the anterior mediastinum.

Methods: Between October 2001 and December 2003, 18 consecutive patients with anterior mediastinal masses were referred for diagnosis and treatment. Fifteen patients underwent robotic-assisted surgery with the da Vinci robotic system.

A simple technique for aortic valve replacement in patients with a patent left internal mammary artery bypass graft.

Aortic valve replacement in patients with a patent left internal mammary artery graft is often a challenge because of the difficulties with dissection of the left internal mammary artery and optimum myocardial protection. We describe a simple technique of aortic valve replacement with a beating heart and continuous coronary perfusion for this difficult group of patients.

Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting decreases morbidity and mortality in a selected group of high-risk patients.

Background: The ideal indication for off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCABG) has yet to be defined. High-risk surgical patients may benefit the most when cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), aortic cross clamping, and cardioplegic arrest are avoided. The aim of this study was to determine whether off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting might decrease the operative morbidity and mortality in a select group of high-risk patients with multivessel coronary artery disease.